Health authorities scramble to contain flu outbreak in WA prisons

Camera IconWA’s Casuarina Prison has been inundated by two potent strains of influenza.Picture: News Limited

WA’s prison system — including Casuarina and Bandyup jails — has been swamped with two potent strains of influenza, one of them believed to be swine flu.

A Justice Department spokesman confirmed an undisclosed number of prisoners and staff had been affected and health authorities were trying to contain the outbreak.

Visitors to Casuarina on Tuesday were barred from entering the complex.

“While medical staff continue testing, two strains have been positively identified which are currently present in the general community at unseasonably high rates,” a Justice Department spokesman said.

“The Department of Justice is working closely with the Department of Health to implement control measures to minimise the spread of the illness, including the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks.

“Additional precautions such as restricting or rescheduling prisoner movements and visitors have been implemented as appropriate.

“Where court or other appointments cannot be rescheduled, affected prisoners are required to wear face masks to prevent further transmission.”